With the 2026 FIFA World Cup beginning on June 11, Electronic Arts has once again used EA Sports FC to simulate the tournament and forecast the eventual champion.
This year’s prediction points to Spain.
If the forecast proves accurate, Spain would win its second World Cup title, adding to the crown it captured in 2010.
Simulation based on player data
EA’s prediction relies on the player database used in EA Sports FC, formerly known as the FIFA series.
The database tracks and regularly updates numerous player attributes, including:
- Pace
- Stamina
- Passing
- Finishing
- Tactical awareness
Those ratings are used to assess team strength and simulate the course of the tournament.
Four straight correct predictions
The latest forecast has drawn attention because of EA’s record in the men’s World Cup.
Its simulations correctly predicted the champions in:
- 2010
- 2014
- 2018
- 2022
That gives the company a perfect record across the last four men’s tournaments.
EA announced its 2026 prediction on X.
Not every forecast has been accurate
The simulations have not always been successful outside the men’s World Cup.
Ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, EA predicted England would lift the trophy. Spain eventually won the tournament instead.
The company also missed the winner of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
EA’s model projected the United States as the favorite, but the team exited early. Spain ultimately claimed the title.
Whether the latest prediction proves correct will become clear when the 2026 World Cup concludes.
TL;DR
EA Sports FC has predicted that Spain will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company correctly forecast the champions of the last four men’s World Cups, although some of its predictions for other tournaments have missed the mark.
AI summary
- EA Sports FC predicts Spain will win the 2026 World Cup.
- Spain would secure its second World Cup title if the forecast is correct.
- EA correctly predicted the winners of the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 men’s tournaments.
- The company missed its predictions for Euro 2024 and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
- The simulation is based on player data contained in EA Sports FC.
